“Welcome Alaric,” greets Alexis. He further embraces Felix, Eurick, and Boudicca. Lanie takes Boudicca aside and introduces her to the holy relations. Boudicca never forgot this day. The servant fauns, centaurs, sprites, griffins, and mermaids in golden armor offer food and drink to the little girl. The wedding begins at dusk. Faeries glow in the dark air and centaurs bellow into horns. Alexis’s family of brothers Oden and Kali, cousin Felix, and many nieces and nephews stride ahead of Alexis to Iris ready to conduct the ceremony. Eurick and Alaric are followed by Toralyn, Max, Gilda, and Daxus. Alani, Elmo, and Lixi tread in front of Elexi and Lanie. She wore a golden gown and carried a bouquet of lilia flowers. A diamond and gold crown sits upon her head with strands of lace hanging from the back. Iris blesses the couple and sprinkles faerie dust on them. Candles are lit and prayers for fertility are spoken to the great god Alano. A song of celebration is conducted by music goddess Callisto and sung by Gilda. Lilia blossoms are offered to love goddess Ishtar and money god Pisos. Next, the vows of loyalty are spoken.
“I Alexis the Sky Fox of Leesville, take in marriage Lanie of Itheram. I shall provide love, security, comfort, hope, and happiness for my wife forever.”
“I Lanie of Itheram, take in marriage Alexis the Sky Fox of Leesville. I shall provide love, security, comfort, hope, and happiness for my husband forever.”
Iris read the marriage contract and Elexi presented a dowry for Lanie. Fifty bags of coins, one hundred chests of jewelry, twenty boxes of sea shells, two hundred and fifty gowns with matching shoes, and eight golden harps in the shape of a fish, mermaids, snails, and sea horses. Alexis approves the dowry and Iris pronounces the wedding bond sealed. She introduces the wedded couple as Alexis the Sky Fox and sea goddess Lanie. The grand reception takes place soon after the couple reaches the other end of the great hall. Floral garlands and sea shells in bunches decorate the walls. Mermaids play exotic instruments to Callisto’s instructions. Gilda sings a few melodies for the guests. Boudicca enjoys herself at the buffet table. She has never eaten sea crabs before. Alaric introduces Iris to Boudicca. Iris introduces Alaric to Treynor. Iris grasps the little princess’s fingers in a dance and assures her that Alaric will take good care of her. Boudicca wishes to see her father again. She barely knows him from all his battling Athena. When her aunt, cousin, and she arrived at her father’s encampment, he was busy issuing strategy plans and rations of food.
“You poor dear,” says Iris.
She takes Boudicca aside to send her to her father for a day. When the spell wears off at the next sunset, she will return to Iris’s guest chamber. Little Boudicca appears before her father’s dining table. King Dylan chokes in astonishment at seeing his daughter. He shakes his head thinking it is a dream, but the shouts of glee from the servants affirm she is really there. Dylan’s brother, wife, and son embrace their Boudicca before Dylan arises. A seat is brought next to the king’s throne and Boudicca eagerly sits next to her father. They share stories of all the events the other missed. She sleeps in her old bed chamber and eats her morning meal in her father’s room. They spend the morning riding, playing games, and pacing across the newly grown gardens. Boudicca plays a flute for her family and sings with her aunt’s harp the tale of Iris’s casting Eris into a volcano. Dylan presents her with a gown a seamstress had made for her upcoming birthday. He was about to send a messenger with a letter, but hands them to her now. The sun sets as they play with wooden carved animals with strings making the mouth open and shut. The enchantment of Iris befalls and Boudicca says farewell as she vanishes.
Alaric takes her to a bed chamber so she may read her father’s letter in privacy. Afterwards, Iris dresses her in the decorated gown and shows her the dining hall. Alaric and Iris had a wonderful day riding unicorns and talking on the terrace. From the balcony they watched the creatures celebrate Lanie’s wedding as if it were their own. Eurick played with his cousins and recited the siege of Illium that never fell. Alaric caught his son practicing with his cousins all the fighting skills he learned. He stood against the wall with a large grin. Alani shifted his eyes towards the admirer and Eurick turned around to see what distracted him. Alani knocked him down and Alaric burst out in laughter. Eurick sheepishly smiled at his defeat. Boudicca asked about the boy Treynor who lives with Iris. Alaric uncomfortably explained the boy’s mother deeply hurt his friend Alexis long ago. As punishment after The Raid on Brightsburg when his parents were killed, Alaric decided to punish the mother by making her son immortal so they would not meet each other again in the afterlife. He thought that was the worse thing he could do to Myra. Alaric also feared Treynor’s anger when he found out that Alaric was responsible for the death of his parents. He gave the baby Treynor to Iris full of pain from mourning so many times. Perhaps, she could lessen the impending rage. Treynor explained that he knew Alaric started The Elf War and his mother Iris took pity on little Treynor after Myra and Modred were killed. She also explained that Modred led raids and massacres that reached across the mountains, killing Alaric’s beloved Nix. Treynor said he did not hate Alaric for killing his parents, though wondered why Alaric did not kill him too. Alaric explained his idea of punishing Myra. Alaric never spoke of killing the blind Hector in Etonville in front of Empress Athena recognizing it was really Modred until he told this story to the boys from Etonville. He did not wish to tell Treynor he could have met his father many years ago during The Elf War. He let Treynor believe his father died heroically in battle as his mother died to protect her son. Alexis was also introduced to Treynor. He said Treynor looks exactly like Modred and ignored him the rest of the visit.
Two days of conversing with odd creatures in the Black Forest was plenty for Boudicca. They set off on unicorns to the Olin Mountains to see where Alaric grew up. On unicorns, they reach the forest in no time. They stop at a Brightsburg inn. Laeos was no where to be found. After inquiring, Alaric learns that King Rychan employed him to attend his herd of horses. He decides to visit his friend after showing Eurick his birthplace. Boudicca notices something eerie about the abandoned village of Leesville overgrown with weeds. It was not just the wind blowing or bird calls echoing through the forest trees. They step over a disheveled stone wall that remains as a testament of the elves and mermaids bravery. At night, they rest in Alaric’s scorched childhood home. He fills Eurick and Boudicca in many details of his childhood. Tales of Gilda’s servants, sled rides down the snowy slopes, exploring caves, and meeting Alexis are told by the firelight. The next morning, Eurick discovers where he was born and dreams how his life would be different if there was never a drought and plague. His mother would be tutoring him in human cuisine and how to obtain honey. His father would still be trading with mermaids and trolls. His grandmother would be teaching him magic and where to find healing herbs. His grandfather would be making magic swords and armor for him. Also, he would look more like a human and elf. Alaric tells his son not to feel sad of what will never be, the gods have another plan for him. Boudicca wonders too what might have been. Her father would have been there in her childhood and maybe King Nib would still be alive. Her mother would be alive and playing her harp in the dining hall. The fate goddess Freya must be amused with all the trials of the humans when she weaves fate strings in the heavens. The queen mermaid appears to dote on Eurick. He shows her the toy sword and bow his grandfather made before he died. The queen recites more tales Eurick has never heard before. He was born on a rock as his mother died. Alaric was almost was drowned by an octopus as a child and was once squirted at by a squid. A large boat sails past the coral reef Narva and Eurick asks to see the island Ithaca where a sprite cousin moved to. Last Alaric heard, his cousin made beautiful jewelry for the residents.
Alaric wishes to take Kia and Rurick along if they journeyed to Ithaca. Boudicca eyes a spirit floating by as a solar eclipse takes place. More spirits appear and Alaric comforts the frightened child. A loud shriek is heard over the treetops. The wind howls and tree branches shake in fear. Alaric announces that a banshee has passed, someone has died or is about to die. The sun reappears and everything goes back to normal. He leaves the children with the mermaids and takes off for Isis to find Laeos. He finds the city without trouble, but has difficulty finding Laeos. He speaks to the High Priest to discover that it is Pippi and her husband who tend the king’s horses. He finds Pippi baking bread. She explains that her father went mad after her brother Andan’s death and she told the Brightsburg villagers that he got a job with the king to remove him from the memories of her brother. Her mother left the family when her father went mad. She was found later dead beside a creek. Pippi introduces her infant son and husband. Pitiful Laeos failed to recognize his own brother-in law. He declared to see a goblin and will die soon. Disheartened, Alaric leaves him with Pippi and rides back to the Haunted Forest. The travelers continue on to Sylvania. The werewolves welcome their hero into their homes. Alaric eyes his sword in the corner of a werewolf’s home. The man informs him that the great spy Hariem recently journeyed to the afterlife the prior morning. He begged his son to give Alaric the Great his sword back, but not one could touch it without getting burned.
“Hariem had a son?” asks Alaric.
“Yes, it is told that a human maiden from Dido was bitten by an animal and died. They buried her and found later that her grave had been disturbed. The inhabitants of Dido proclaimed she was a werewolf now and sung prayers for her soul. Hariem brought her here and she gave birth to a cub the following spring.” explains a Sylvanian villager.
“I see. Where is the child now?” begs Alaric.
“We do not know, Alaric the Great. He disappeared right after Hariem died.” answers one of the men.
The travelers attend Hariem’s burial at nightfall. The werewolves transform and howl to the moon goddess Dora. Boudicca clings tight to her guardian. They sleep in Hariem’s home and Alaric takes back his iron sword. Eurick arises from bed first and inhales the morning air. He gathers mushrooms and mint berries into his tunic. He watches the morning star for future events to be cast. He hears breathing coming from the bushes and announces that he is a wizard capable of destroying whatever is about to attack him. He holds up a mint sprig to show that he holds a magic wand. He feels the creature drawing nearer. He spins around to peek at two eyes peering from a bush connected to a most miserable looking animal. He realizes the animal was a starving boy filthy with dirt. His fingers resemble claws from a beast and hair is an amber straggly mess.
“You are Hariem’s son, aren’t you?” declares Eurick. “I will not hurt you, Enki.”
“Who are you, darman?” asks Enki.
“I am Alaric the Great’s son, Eurick.” responds Eurick.
He feeds the poor boy some of his mushrooms and mint berries. They walk back to a relieved village. He next begs his father to allow him to keep Enki. Alaric dresses him in Eurick’s spare clothes and finds a unicorn for him to ride. At Etonville, they learn Chieftess Daphne died in childbirth and left her husband to care for their children. They visit with the leprechaun Vim and invite him to join the parade before Alaric’s wedding. They eat a small evening meal and rest before setting off again. Alaric quickens the pace of their journey when a hawk came with a note from Athena begging to return as soon as possible. They ride for days at full speed and take brief rests to get back to Illium. At the site of the grand stone walls Enki and Vim desire to go back to Sylvania. Enki and Vim adjust slowly to city dweller life. Enki heartily rejects the robes he has to wear so he rarely attends regal galas. He strolls around the guest house withdrawn and silent. His quiet demeanor is largely unnoticed until meals occur when everyone else chatters on about anything and everything that happens. Vim adjusts quickly to his new life. Athena receives the grand tour of Alaric’s guest house. She is very pleased at Felix for arranging for the children to attend a play at Grand Princess Sieva’s Ashleigh manor home on the outskirts of the city. Sieva has recently attracted the attention of a young girl who desires a great deal to be Rurick’s bride. Every girl in the empire wishes that, but Rurick is in no rush to marry anyone. Athena thinks this girl was a good match for her ornery grandson. An auburn beauty with a fair complexion stands tall and thin with a disposition complimenting the dark fur-lined robes she wears. She visits temples, hands out charity alms to the poor and helped plant a garden for Sieva.
She is a merchant’s daughter who traveled here from the Kadacian border town of Sarai. Her father is quite pushy on a marriage, but this girl seems to accept that Rurick is not easy to tame. Athena and Alaric then eat an evening meal together. Athena withdraws into the sitting room as Alaric cleans the table, then jumps when Alaric sparks a fire in the fireplace. She wonders if she will ever become accustomed to Alaric’s magic. He hardly ever uses it. Alaric explains how he just wishes he can fit into his surroundings without anyone begging for advice or favors when they learn his gifts. He further continues on how many believe his powers keep him from harm and is the reason behind his courage. He assures Athena that he is not made from stone, his magic powers guard him from nothing. Athena changes the subject to ask if he would ever betray her, many are already plotting to overthrow her and put Rurick on the throne. She is positive Rurick knows nothing of these plots and prefers to keep it that way. Alaric answers that he has nothing to gain by betraying her. He has great riches right here in this very room. Athena inquires what he would do if she would betray him someday. He laughs at her question because he would simply turn her into stone. Athena’s last question caught him off guard. She asks what he wanted from her to gain his favor as a companion, she adores the heroic elf. Alaric panics and retorts if she meant she wanted to marry him. Her peculiar behavior seems to make sense now. Athena confides that all her gifts, demands for rides, and all the meals were her attempts to win his affection. Alaric squeamishly requests her to leave. He claims he needs time to think on this important proposal and will provide an answer tomorrow. Athena races out through the foyer in tears and calls her guard to escort her back to her palace. Alaric sits alone next to the smoky fire and ponders hard all that transpired. Felix brings back the children and Alaric hugs them good night. He tells Felix about his visit with Athena. Alaric can not believe she proposed marriage to him.
“You have to forgive her,” states Felix. “Women love heroes and you are a heroic wizard. It must be nice to be an empress and get everything she wants; nice clothes, sparkling jewelry, fur-lined capes, large meals, and servants to follow her every command. You certainly know you can have anything you want living in her palace.”
“Give me a Nix to love and I will have everything I want,” responds Alaric.
“She is offering an Athena to love. Is that so awful, Alaric?” asks Felix.
Alaric remains silent and Felix leaves him with his undeclared thoughts. Alaric paces into his moonlit garden. He does feel affection for Athena, after all they fought a long war together. He remembered his passionate evening with Iris after Elmo’s wedding. How can he betray his love for Nix by falling in love with someone else? Turmoil in his soul, he cried tears of healing knowing fully well that Nix had chosen not to come back to him. This peaceful night is interrupted by a knock at the door. He wonders who would be awake at this late hour. A shimmering pink cloak stands at the door. It floats into the foyer and he hears Athena speak from under her hood.
“I can not sleep without an answer from you. Are you really deciding or just toying with my emotions? You must give me an answer now.”
She removes her hood to reveal a worried face. Alaric takes her cloak off and guides her to the sitting room where they spoke before.
“I can not hide my feelings for you any longer,” Athena says as she seats herself on a cushioned bench. “Please tell me what you want and I will give it to you, just be my husband. I am old Alaric. Please fill the last years of my life knowing you love me. What must I give?”
Alaric removes her golden crown, her huge necklace covering her shoulders, her rings, her earbobs, and the silver combs smoothing her hair back. He unties the few small braids in her hair, and then removed her shoes. He progresses to unbuttoning her robes and unties her leather belt to expose her dull colored camisole and underskirt. He unbuttons the tight bodice and kisses her shoulder.
“You asked what I want. Just you.” claims Alaric.
He stares into her blue eyes with the utmost seriousness. Her eyes full of excitement fail to reveal a woman winning a prize he believed in, but of a little girl longing to be loved by someone special. He grabs her neck to kiss her lips and grips her tight to his chest. He moves his kisses down her neck and moves his arms to prepare lifting her up. In her undergarments, Alaric carries Athena to the grand staircase and reaches the first step. He realizes he placed his wounded leg up on the first stair. He wobbles into a nervous smile and explains he forgot he has trouble with his leg. Flattered at his amnesia, Athena encourages her suitor with her shining smile. Alaric manages to switch feet and hobbles up the large staircase. He is relieved to reach the top and takes Athena to his bed chamber. He groans in pain after dropping her on the bed.
“Poor, poor, Alaric.” cries Athena as she watches him struggle to take off his boots. She could never persuade him to wear shoes.
“I forgot to ask if I may keep this guest house for my holy relatives unaccustomed to mortal humans.” inquires Alaric as his heart pounds with enthusiasm.
“Of course you may,” answers Athena.
Alaric nestles up to Athena and feels her fingers running through his hair like wind through fields of grain. This time Alaric does not think of Nix when kisses Athena‘s soft lips. After their heated passion fades into the darkness of the night, Athena falls asleep with her head upon his strong chest. Athena leaves at dawn to announce their engagement. A date is set for next spring and Athena orders her new husband the title of prince. Alaric is congratulated by everyone he meets. Rurick and Kia continue their lessons with him and go on visits to the various craftsmen of the city. They speak with weavers, potters, coin minters, furniture carvers, jewelry experts, and artists painting tiles and murals. They gladly show Athena their practice writing on clay tablets and improve their handwriting to copy things on scrolls. The Empress also introduces the children to her counsel. Each administrator describes their role in the empire. Athena appoints Rurick to see the finishing construction of the theater and arena for chariot races. Lagash and Sieva depart to check on the construction of the aqueduct. Once Rurick gives approval for the theater and arena, he will be ready to visit Ithaca with Alaric. In the wedding planning, the Empress orders her new prince a new wardrobe made from the finest fabrics she can find.
In the meantime, a birthday celebration for Princess Boudicca takes place in the guest house. Everything is cleaned and garlands are hung everywhere. Little Boudicca greets the royal and noble guests in the gown from her father. A grand feast takes over the dining hall and on a rare occasion, Alaric uses his magic to light the gardens with glowing orbs floating like fairies. Alaric was the impeccable host showing great charisma making all the guests Athena invited comfortable in the enchanted gardens and home. Eurick added a magical trick to the guest house. He changed mice into birds to show the different kinds of birds that fly around the Haunted Forest. Then, while playing with a pouch of potent fairy dust he suddenly disappeared. Later as Athena was admiring a statue, dust appeared along with Eurick. He could hear Athena screeching beyond the magic powder how he and his father need to stop startling her with their magical appearances. Eurick apologizes to the empress. From Athena, Boudicca is given a large vanity table and chair with a polished silver mirror for her bed chamber. Unlike Alaric, Boudicca is more accustomed to being dressed by someone else. Alaric made an awkward hairdresser until Grand Princess Sieva sent a girl to attend the princess. The maidservant made Boudicca shine like the sun for her party. Alaric gave Boudicca silver combs for her hair and a leather belt he made. Boudicca has taken a liking for elf symbols on her wardrobe. She wore her gift from Eurick to the gala, an armband in the shape of a dragon. After the last guest left or fell asleep in the guest bed chambers, Athena and Alaric walked around the moonlit garden. Tonight, Athena wore a simple gown instead of her normal majestic robes and crown. Her silver and gold combs encircle her head like a wreath and a simple diamond necklace hangs around her neck. Alaric confessed that he liked Athena more this way than at the palace where she is more formal and uptight. Athena confides that she did not want to take away attention from Boudicca by dressing so elegant. Alaric thanks her for the gesture on behalf of Boudicca.
A week later, Athena waves farewell at the ship sailing toward Ithaca. In a few weeks after stopping at several islands, they reach the fabled majestic capital. They sleep inside an inn and seek out Alaric’s cousin sprite. Many city dwellers say that the sprite settlements lay in the mountains beyond the vineyards. They set off through vineyards and meadows to reach the mountains. Alaric inquires about his sprite cousin to the mountain villagers. One pointed to a sprite settlement on the east side of the mountain, many of them smelt metals. They continue on to find the sprites pounding on swords. A sprite guides Alaric and his companions to the cousin’s home. Sprite homes in Ithaca differ from the Narva coast. Two-storied houses built around a tree greet with an enclosed porch at the base of the tree. A small female sprite opens the door of the house. Alaric declares who he is seeking and the girl calls for her father up the wooden stairs circumventing the tree. The visitors step up to a large room divided by a central fireplace burning from two sides. A balcony outside spirals around the house. Their beds lying around the outer walls fold in half to create benches. The cousins embrace and catch up to news of their worlds. Alaric invites the sprite family to his wedding and asks his cousin to make a special necklace for his bride. A gold chain with a pendant of a ferocious dragon made of silver. The sprite shows the curious Vim, Eurick and Boudicca his village that overlooks a vast valley full of vineyards and quarries. Rurick and Kia were delighted shopping in the marketplaces nearby. Little Enki is still shy around humans and sprites. Alaric holds his hands through the mines and lets Enki get dirty panning for gold. He obtains a gold nugget after hours of playing in the mud. The sprites let the little werewolf keep the nugget as a prize.
Alaric buys tiles and flower seeds for his garden. He plans to make a path around the courtyard with the tiles. The visitors eat their fill at the sprite meals and sleep soundly on their beds. After a month of bliss, it comes time to sail home. Alaric’s cousin gives them an elf farewell that Rurick thought peculiar a sprite would do. He returned the gesture anyhow to his host with a touch to his forehead, nose, and extension of his arm. Alaric’s cousin laughs. Alaric explains to Rurick that the sprite’s response meant his was flattered at Rurick’s elf gesture. The companions spend a few days in the capital and stay at an inn. Rurick and Kia seemed delighted to not be recognized and bowed to constantly. Alaric thought this experience altered their perception to know that not everyone praises them for being royal. If only he could teach that lesson to Athena. Rurick long remembered this trip as the time period where he became a good judge of his subjects’ behavior toward him, which became beneficial later as emperor when he will need to sort out the wolves from the sheep. The companions sail into Illium’s harbor to meet much fanfare. Trumpets announce the parading chariots. Empress Athena accepts her gifts in front her guests in the dining hall. Alaric gave her a bolt of fabric made from a soft material he found called cotton. Ithacans discovered a land far south from them that grows cotton and flax plants in abundance. They call the area Anaki after the first Ithacan to document it. After the ball in the great hall, welcoming the travelers back, Alaric sleeps in his guest house for the last night. He moves into the palace the next morning. Felix, Enki, and Eurick remain in the guest house.
The move into the palace was easy. Alaric did not have many possessions. Vim has even fewer possessions. Boudicca’s things went into a few crates carried by the palace servants. He settles in his assigned bed chamber on the same floor as Athena’s. He puts on robes to attend galas and meals in the great hall. Otherwise, he wears his elf clothes that make him stick out like a sore thumb. He claims to not mind the stares and gapes. He is accustomed to them from the Elf War. Vim continued his education with a priest in the temple and served his Master Alaric. He delivered messages and went to the market to make purchases. Rurick and Vim practiced fighting in the courtyard every day after their lessons and chores. One of the maidens chasing Rurick caught the attention of Felix. He notices her watching him in an intense way. He casually walks by to ask her chaperone if he may speak with the maiden. The young man agrees to it. He whisks the girl to the dance floor and asks what she gazes at.
“You look so majestic, Felix. Is it true you are the cousin of Sky Fox who fought in the Elf War with you?” inquires the girl.
“Yes, I am.” answers Felix.
“What title do they give you?” further inquires the girl.
“They call me Felix. My name is enough of a title.” answers Felix. “I was born without any title and capable of surviving the rest of my life without a title, maiden.”
“His title is master, Kaitlyn” interrupts Rurick dancing with a noble lady.
“I would adore horse riding with you tomorrow, Master Felix. Are you available?” begs the maiden.
“Yes I am available, but how will I find you? I do not know your family.” begs Felix.
“My chaperone is my brother Inti, a potter. We live with our ailing mother and father who works as a coin minter in the new brick house section. Our banner is blue with a golden eagle. May I introduce my family to you before we ride?” requests Kaitlyn.
“I would enjoy that, Kaitlyn,” answers Felix.
The following morning, Felix is introduced to Kaitlyn’s family living in the new brick section of town across the coin minters and blacksmiths furnaces. Clay bricks have been used to build new sections in Illium where merchant families are moving into. Athena decreed new buildings made from non-burning materials. During the Elf War, many wood houses were burnt during the siege of Illium by Kadacia. Kaitlyn and Felix ride their horses into the countryside overlooking Illium. He bids her farewell and returns home. He reports to Alaric on his new love the next morning. She is somewhat educated from reading things in the pottery her brother makes. He plans to bring her to the next play that performs in the half-finished theater. Meanwhile, Rurick speaks to Alaric on finding his mother’s new friend intriguing. Nalia, she is called, claims to have given up trying to attract his attention. Rurick is positive that is a lie. He thinks she follows his mother around to improve her chances of winning the Grand Princess title. Intrigued by her caring nature, he lets her go to the temple with him. She talks nonstop on her life in the Anasazi Mountains bordering Kadacia. She rode horses, acted in pageants about the goddesses, helped her family harvest grain for bread, made her own pots and bowls, and wove her own clothes. She spoke on how many of her people died during the drought that the roads were filled with dead bodies of travelers trying to find food. A nobleman to the north of Sarai increased his trade with the Rondans and sold food at low prices. It is a bad idea to have so many people starving, there will not be anyone to employ to farm the land. They moved out of Sarai when the Elf War began because Kadacians kept attacking their village. They plodded all the way to less turbulent Illium to see the Kadacians again. Rurick thought profoundly that this maiden would make a good empress someday. She is quite intelligent and witty. Then he stops
thinking about her and continues his lessons.
Felix also bragged how sweet his love was. Alaric got the idea these two were in competition with each other over who had the better maiden. After all, Kaitlyn desired Rurick first. Rurick also soon learns of the plots against his grandmother. Many noblemen say it was sacrilege to crown Rychan a king when he should be the emperor. Others plan to overthrow Athena and place Rurick as emperor. He becomes wary now of the noble daughters with enthusiastic fathers. At a celebration to the love goddess Aphrodite in the late winter, Rurick announces that he shall betroth himself to the bricklayer’s daughter Nalia. He declares the betrothal will last no more than three years. He shall also abide by her will the line of succession, whether he or his uncle is crowned emperor. Athena is proud of her grandson’s address to the festival participants. Further into spring, Alaric hears the great news of Lanie having a baby. They named her Lilia after Lanie’s favorite flower. Alexis notices magic within her daughter before she is dipped in the Pool of Immortality. Alexis’s pet faerie Abbykins lingers around the adorable infant to Lanie’s dismay. Alaric visits his niece immediately and congratulates the couple. He includes that his guests shall reside in a guest house during the celebration instead of the palace. Felix keeps his distance from the infant. Eurick holds the infant goddess carefully and presents a toy horse for her. Alani and Eurick play with each other again in the Black Forest. Eurick recites tales of the Haunted Forest where he was born. Ghosts spook so many travelers that they learn to avoid the area all together. They both ride the guardian dragon Jojo. Her mother Medusa had died shortly after Jojo returned from serving as Alaric’s steed in the Elf War. Gilda believes the sky god Andos gave her a disease she could not cure.
Gilda assists Alaric in writing wedding invitations to all his family and friends. A
wedding parade is rehearsed down Illium’s streets with a maidservant and valet replacing the engaged couple. The Illium citizens gaze at the shiny brass armor in awe. To Alaric, the ceremony comes too quick. The day arrives with a stunning sunrise from the sun goddess Petrie. In the morning star, he sees a message from the god Rurik that
his marriage will be as short as his other one. A grand morning meal presides in the palace and Alaric introduces his bride to his guests. The godly guests all took forms of elves down to elf symbols on their wardrobe. Athena was enchanted by all the holy guests she greeted. Mischief god Ryan spooked Athena by telling her that Alaric was
really a vampire, and then gave Alaric fangs. Alaric removed the fangs and snarled at Ryan’s laughter. Athena felt uncomfortable around Ryan after that. Alaric scolds at his guest to behave himself around mortals. Ryan just smirks and changes into a panther to frighten all the humans. Sweet Gilda transforms the devil into a butterfly and Ryan begs to be back as himself. He promises not to try to scare the humans the rest of the day. She still does not release the spell even after his wife Echo pleads with her. Gilda and Lixi embrace their new sister-in-law and wished her happiness. Alexis even embraces Athena today for the first time. He explains that she was not his best friend’s beloved before now. Elmo and Iceni tell Alaric how they live close to Itheram now. Alaric’s sprite cousin arrived from Ithaca to sneak Alaric the silver and gold necklace he made for Athena. Pippi and her family came to meet Eurick. Laeos seems so confused about where he is and mistook Enki for his son Andan. Alaric agrees to let Eurick live with Pippi for a year and study with a High Priest to continue his education. Alexis’s brownie brothers Oden and Kali flew in and gave Alaric bundles of potions. The leprechaun Viminaski is soon given Alaric’s iron sword he took back in Sylvania. Alaric notices after all the introductions that he failed to see his friend Iris. He thought she would be at his second wedding too.
The grand procession down to the Temple of Aphrodite was lead by musicians and horse guards prancing in front of Alaric’s attendants. Pippi, Laeos and her family rode unicorns ahead of Alaric’s sisters. Max, Toralyn, Gilda, and Daxus rode on unicorns before Lilia, Alani, Lanie, Alexis, Elmo, Lixi, and Elexi. Felix, Eurick, Vim, Boudicca, and Enki rode unicorns in front of Alaric with bows held high to salute the groom. Alaric drives Rurick’s chariot alone as a symbol of his modesty and humility. Rurick prances upon the unicorn Kiko along side Alaric as he waves to the cheering crowd aligning the city walls. Palace guards follow Rurick and Alaric with spears raised and shields at their sides. Athena’s children ride chariots behind Athena’s grandchildren on horseback. Athena’s chariot is driven by her brother. The temple is full of guests including Athena’s family from the Borderlands. The godly children were thrilled to toss
coins at the crowds around the temple. They never had seen people scramble on top of each other to grab tiny round metal objects before. Alaric awaits his bride beside his nephews. Lilia cries and Lanie shushes her. All is peaceful inside the temple as cheers roar outside when Athena arrives at the temple covered in jewelry and yellow robes. She holds a bouquet of yellow roses and white feathers in her hand. Her golden crown glistens in the sunlight. She walks down the aisle with her brother at her side. The High Priestess conducts the ceremony. Candles are lit to the marriage goddess Iris to bless the union. Prayers are spoken and incense is burned. Gilda sings a song of celebration to enchant the crowd. Flowers are laid at the statue of Aphrodite for her love blessing. Flowers are offered to the money god Pisos for continued wealth in the marriage. Alaric presents the silver and gold necklace with his dragon symbol to Athena. The vows are spoken next.
“I Alaric the Great of Leesville, take in marriage Empress Athena of Alexandrial. I shall provide my wife love, comfort, security, hope, and happiness for as long as we live.”
“I Empress Athena of Blythe, take in marriage Alaric the Great from Leesville. I shall provide my husband love, comfort, security, hope, and happiness for as long as we live.”
Great applause fills the temple. The marriage contract read to the guests, the High Priestess announces the marriage bond sealed. Upon marrying Athena, Alaric decided to change his name to reflect his past along a black sanded beach called a hadria. She presents the wedded couple Prince Hadrian and Empress Athena. They pace out to the crowd waiting for them. The people cheer and throw flower petals at the couple. The newly named Prince Hadrian drives his bride in their chariot back to the palace. The reception takes place outside in the sunlit decorated courtyard. The guests gobble up the food provided and congratulate the couple. As night befalls hours later, the party continues in the great hall. Prince Hadrian in his new robes notices a shimmering cloaked hood with elaborate embroidery wandering around the unsuspecting visitors. He follows the cloak for he recognizes Iris’s symbols on it. Meeting her on a terrace, she reveals herself.
“Where have you been Iris?” Prince Hadrian asks her. She hands over a small puppy.
“I have been trying to convince your giant friend Ricky to attend your wedding. He did not wish to be seen, but curious on whom you are marrying.” states Iris. Hadrian holds the puppy.
“I am happy to see you again,” declares Hadrian. The puppy whimpered and howls. “You are hungry, you say?”
Hadrian feeds the puppy Ricky a bit a meat. It chews it as if starved and stops to sneeze. He points out his new wife in the crowd conversing with nobles.
“She is voluptuous, isn’t she?” asks Prince Hadrian. Ricky the puppy barks catching Athena’s attention.
“If you say she is,” calmly responses Iris. Hadrian embraces Iris to spot Empress Athena staring from the doorway.
“Athena, come meet Iris and Ricky. My dear friends I hate living without.”
“Pleased to see you again, Iris.” Athena nods. “Pleased to meet you, Ricky.” The puppy licks her face.
“Behave yourself, Master Ricky.” orders Iris as she takes back the animal.
She then throws the puppy into the night air and it turns into a large parrot flying away back to his home. The party guests becoming rowdy with too much wine, Athena and Hadrian return to the reception.
“Is she going to be visiting much, my love?” inquires Athena.
“I certainly hope so,” replies Hadrian.
After many of the guests leave the great hall, Hadrian walks around the silent fortress taking in that this will be his home for a while. He meets the cloaked Iris again appearing from nowhere.
“I have a secret to reveal. I have done you a great dishonor and beg for your forgiveness. There is a sad individual somewhere that desires enormously to see you today, but I forbade them to come here. I shall send your admirer tomorrow.” affirms Iris before disappearing again.
Hadrian strides up to Athena’s bed chamber to spend their wedding night together. Athena is eagerly waits for her husband. They share a drink of wine and cuddle into a deep slumber. The morning meal provided a glimpse of how many enemies he has gained in one day. He sits next to Athena in his robes and remains quiet. Few approach him now with a greeting. All attention goes to Her Majesty for snagging the country’s hero for her own. Among the whispers, he hears rumors growing of how he seduced Athena so he could be emperor. Other rumors say he married the empress to persuade who should be the next emperor, one he has enchanted to do his will. Imagine that.
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